<h1>Wood made into Bags</h1>

 

You still stand a chance of discovering what wood looks like when it's made into a bag. Up until  August 4th,  the Museum of Bags and Purses in Amsterdam is exhibiting wooden bags by the UK brand Rocio. Rocio uses acacia and mahogany wood from Asia, creating the material from which the bags and clutches are made in nineteen different stages. This method is used by master wood craftsmen in the Islands of the Philippines. Because wood is naturally rigid this method makes the material uniquely elegant and gives it a depth of beauty far exceeding that of any other creative materials used in fashion and design today. The bags and clutches are combined with crocodile, python, stingray and ostrich leather and is finished with pears, crystals and engravings. It can take up to four weeks to create an individual bag.

Founder Hamish Menzies, originally a technical engineer, was struck by the beauty and craftsmanship of local wooden products made in the Philippines. Together with local craftsmen he made the first designs and founded Rocio in 2006. The company’s name was taken from the woman with whom he first travelled to the Philippines. He now works with local woodworkers from the Philippines as well as with a team of designers. He is determined to develop his brands in an open manner and is open to feedback from agents and consumers. Rocio’s (evening) bags and clutches are now sold at renowned department stores in 55 countries.

The Museum of Bags and Purses wants to show the public that even with the relative unbending material like wood, you can make amazingly beautiful bags. Sigrid Ivo, director of the museum: “It is high time that the Dutch are acquainted with the exquisite bags by Rocio."

The Museum of Bags and Purses is home to the world's largest collection of handbags. Located in a beautiful, historic canal house from 1664, in the centre of Amsterdam, the museum began as the private collection of Hendrikje Ivo, who collected bags for 35 years. Comprising more than 4,000 objects, the collection offers a broad view of this item's history across 500 years. It includes bridal bags, pockets, coin purses, reticules, satchels, evening bags and designer bags by top fashion houses such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès. 

Interestingly enough, the travel website TripAdvisor has awarded the Museum of Bags and Purses with the Certificate of Excellence. In the past year almost all visitors left a positive review, giving the museum a constant high rating of four out of five stars for hospitality, interest and experience. If you visit, remember to leave your rating too.